Left is best!
With the South Atlantic High moving east, the fleet is finally turning left to a S/E route, or even ESE for Abhilash, looking for a direct course towards Cape Town! The wind rotation also means better wind angles, easing sails and easier sailing, even though the sea state will remain confused for a while.
Close reaching is Kirsten and Abhilash best point of sail over the fleet, and they will quickly close down on the four leaders, some of whom still need to stop for repairs at some point: foresail halyard for Simon and Pat, windvane shaft for Damien. The exception is Tapio, second this morning, but delighted to be back in the south with his maxi spinnaker repaired and ready!
At the back, everyone is at full speed in wet, upwind conditions. Ian is stepping up his game, Michael has found speed by reducing sails and heel, and Elliott has finally broken his 7-day distance record with 949 miles! A record he should further improve over the weekend.
Guy and Jeremy are still suffering from their barnacle invasion. Jeremy seems to be skipping Trindade to head south, Guy can still take shelter there to clean the hull. He is losing 30 to 40 miles a day to Elliott, who may well catch up with him at the island.
